352 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Dec 



mechanical cells of peculiar structure of varying chemical 

 composition. The awn is strongly twisted over half its 

 length, beginning at the lower end, in a direction oppo- 

 site to the movement of watch hands. The remainder of 

 the awn is without this spiral structure, but is bent at an 

 angle to the body of the awn ; this furnishes a brace or 

 support when the seed begins its boring motion, driven 

 by the alternate twisting and untwisting of the dry or 

 wet awn. Muhrbach concludes as other observers have 

 that not only a layer of cells, but all of the mechanical 

 cells are active in bringing about the twisting. The twist- 

 ed portion of the awn is composed principally of scleren- 

 chyma cells with a fibro-vascular bundle in the center 

 and a band of chlorophyll bearing tissue on each side. 

 (Bot. Gazette, 30:113). 



Diphtheria. — Just now while there is some discussion 

 on the subject of Diptheria bacilli in healthy throats, the 

 conclusions of E. P. Denny are of interest. 



"Diptheria bacilli are seldom found (except where great 

 exposure) in the throats of healthy individuals living un- 

 der good hygienic conditions." 



"A large number of persons may be infected by healthy 

 individuals who have the bacilli in their throats." 



"The conditions of institution life which favor growth 

 of virulent bacilli in healthy throats are the massing of 

 a large number of persons in limited air-space." 



New Publications. 



The Journal of Surgical Technology, is the title of a new 

 periodical, published monthly, and be gan July 1, 1900. It 

 will be devoted to the consideration of the technic of surgi- 

 cal procedures, at a subscription price of $1.00 a year. 



Valuable premiums are offered with the first subscrip- 

 tions. Address the Technique Publishing Co., 404 East 

 14th St,, New York City, N. Y., for sample copy. 



